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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal Reviews

I am about a 34C now, and could not be happier

ORIGINAL POST

Best Decision Ever

WORTH IT$7,600

I had 400cc Allergen textured cell teardrop implants placed back in 1999 when I was just 22. I just wanted them plumped back up after having 2 children. I was a 34D prior to having my first 2 kids. I am 5'2" and weighed about 115.

Fast forward 20+ years and 2 more kids, my breast went from 34DD when implants were first placed to a 34G/F. I also gained about 20 pounds over the years. My shoulders and back were always tight and sore and I was uncomfortable.

I started researching removal around 2019 and discovered that the implants had been recalled. At that point, I really wanted them out and was more than ready to be all-natural again. But covid hit and my removal journey was postponed.

In April I got the covid vaccine and ended up having an adverse reaction. One that caused my left implant to tighten up, lift and change shape. I was seen by a doctor and had a mammogram, ultrasound, and then an MRI. There was fluid present around my implant.

I was referred to a specialist at OSHU to test fluids to be sure it was not the BIA-ALCL linked to the textured cell implants. Luckily it was ruled out and my journey continued. The official diagnosis was an immune response to the vaccine, and I was cleared for removal. The change of shape and size resolved on its own prior to explant surgery.

I had my implants removed and a capsulectomy on October 13th, 2021 at age 44. I had drain tubes for 7 days, and that was the worst part of explant. I only took ibuprofen for pain.

I had pathology done from my capsules. The findings were cancer-free but weird. My left capsule measured 25 x 11 x 1 cm, my right 9 x 6.5 x 1 cm. The immunes response did a number on it I guess?

My breasts are flatter and much smaller than when I had implants which was expected - but I love them! I did not get a lift. I am about a 34C now, and could not be happier. They are soft and normal again.

My doctor, Allen Gabriel, was amazing. He was kind, compassionate, and very professional. All of my checkups have gone without a hitch, and Dr. Gabriel says the look of my breast will only improve with time.

I was very nervous about surgery in general, what my breast would look like post-surgery, especially without new implants or a lift. I am writing this review to share my experience because it was other post on here that gave me insight on what to expect and really helped me make the best decision ever in getting rid of my implants.

I did not take a bunch of pictures, sorry for that. I wish I did. I have posted here my pre-op photo and one from 3 weeks after.

ShanaPenta's provider

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 237 Reviews
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Replies (5)

Did you ever have any breast implants illness symptoms
I am not sure whether I have or not, I was not diagnosed or told I did. But there are so many symptoms and varying issues it would be hard to say. I feel better having them out but it has only been a month since explant.
Congratulations! Glad you had a good experience and outcome.
Thank you
So glad you managed to get them out at last !
Thank you for your comment. It is very helpful to me. I also have 20 year old implants that I just discovered are on a 2019 recall list. Were you able to use your insurance for explant and how long did the “fluffing” process take for you. My doctor is recommending I not put implants back in my body. Hearing about your journey is so helpful. Thank you.
I am so happy this has helped. That was my goal in sharing. I was not able to use insurance to get them removed. I was told by several surgeons of they are placed cosmetically insurance will not cover removal. The implant manufacturer would not help either, but they did offer free implants, just the "devices" not surgery, anesthesia, or any other cost incurred with getting new ones though. I would never get new ones anyway, but for anyone with a recall and considering it is worth mentioning.
I am in your same situation. I just scheduled my explant for December 14th. I found an amazing female surgeon in Fort Worth, TX. She recognizes BII as a legit medical condition. She files with insurance, takes photos & videos of surgery, and sends your implants to pathology. I have called numerous surgeons and it is SO hard to find one that does all of the above. Pathology testing on recalls are so important for your future health and treatment plan. The name of this beautiful human is Dr. Kiran Polavarapu. She is kind, caring, and truly put all my worries at ease. She has an Instagram. All of her surgery videos are on there. She diagnosed me with BII, as I have many symptoms and don’t feel well. She did not recommend I put implants back in my body since my body is having so many issues with the ones I have. I was very impressed by that and all of her knowledge in general. I wish you the best of luck. I am praying for you and all of the women who are unaware of the 2019 Allergan recall.
Also, check your insurance policy. Mine (Cigna) says they cover implant removal for cancer and recall.
Hooray! I am very happy you have found someone to take great care of you. Sending you healing and positive vibes for a fantastic outcome and quick healing on your journey.
You look great! What made you decide not to get a lift? I only ask because I'm so stressed thinking about if I should get a lift or not after removing them. Thank you!
I did consider a lift but decided at my age it just isn't as important to me as when I was young. I was also leary of more scars and healing time. My surgeon recommended for me to wait. He said the way my breast looked pre-explant would be how they looked post-explant, just smaller and less full. I decided I could live with that, and I also knew that if I chose to get a lift later I would get a discount lol but my surgeon really stressed to me that it was better to wait one year to see how they would fully heal and fill out. Hope this helps!
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